Francis Bacon’s Self-Portrait (1975) and Three Studies for Self-Portrait (1980), are due to be exhibited to the public for the first time ahead of their auction in London, at Sotheby's Contemporary Art Evening Auction on 1 July. Self-Portrait (1975) shows Francis Bacon aged 65 wearing his mackintosh. The piece hails from an era when Bacon was spending long periods of time in Paris following his celebrated retrospective at the Grand Palais. This is the only small portrait-head by the artist to be overlaid with fragments of illegible Letraset – a technique typically employed to suggest discarded newspaper sheets in Bacon's larger canvases. Three Studies for Self-Portrait (1980) depicts the artist aged 71 with his eyes downcast and seemingly shut. It has been suggested that the piece captures the artist's dialog around personal mortality, given Bacon's age at the time of painting, and his experience to date with the death of close friends. Sotheby’s London plan to exhibit both Francis Bacon paintings from 19 June at their New Bond Street address. Exhibition dates and times can be found here, for further information please contact Sotheby's London directly. Word reference: Sotheby’s website and press release. *Please note all details including exhibition dates and details are subject to change and availability, for all confirmation please contact Sotheby’s London.
